Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Illinois pharmacists fighting back
By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Mar 20 2008, 10:49 AM
During the legislative session that ended last week, I opposed Senate Bill 232, legislation that would have forced all licensed Wisconsin pharmacists, regardless of their medical and moral judgment, to dispense the morning-after pill and other FDA-approved contraceptive drugs that cause abortions.
Pharmacists would have been required to set aside their moral and medical concerns about birth control and be subservient to the birth control industry. Pharmacists who refuse to give birth control to female customers do so because they are concerned about their patients’ health. Forcing pharmacists to act against their conscience would lead many to leave the profession.
Thankfully, Senate Bill 232 failed in the legislative session.
The issue has now become controversial in the neighboring state of Illinois.
A group of pharmacists is asking the Illinois Supreme Court to toss out a rule that forces them to dispense emergency contraception despite moral objections. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich imposed the rule in 2005 that stipulates pharmacists cannot turn away women who request emergency contraception.
The case is being watched closely by other states, like Wisconsin, that have similar concerns.
Here is the story.
